kimmel 1

Kimmel Vineyards

2007 Mendocino CountyMerlot

$42.00 a bottle

My last review I tasted the Kimmel Vineyards 2008 Chardonnay which was very impressive. I was also given their 2007 Merlot to try. I usually don't purchase Merlots only because they always seem to be missing something for me, not very structured but this 2007 Kimmel Merlot was big and complex and drank like a Cabernet. One of the few Merlots that I really like. Kimmel Vineyards is located in Potter Valley, Mendocino County, CA. The Kimmel family first planted their grapes in 1986. Their ranch produces over 40 acres of grapes with only 9 hillside acres being Merlot. The Winemaker is Bruce Regalia who was the founding winemaker of Goldeneye in 1996 with Dan Duckhorn of Duckhorn Vineyards.This Kimmel Merlot is is a blend of 94% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvginon, 2% Cabernet Franc that is placed in a combination of new and used French Oak barrels for 22 months.This Merlot is hearty and full of structure. Has aroma's of dark fruit, slight licorice and leather. First tasting strong dark cherry, light plum, and creamy vanilla. Finishing with a very light creamy oak barrel taste. I must say this Merlot is super good, once opened there were no leftovers. If you are a Merlot and even a Cabernet lover you must try this wine. Kimmel Vineyards Merlot won a gold medal at the 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition.www.facebook.com/kimmelvineyards